In regards to the dentist appointment earlier this week, I'm just fine. Between my traveling and excess stress with finals and moving out, it's undoubtedly made me vulnerable to such an inconvenience. That's life as it is. After the dentist, Shelley and I went to the thermal baths of the Gellert Hotel, and there is nothing better than soaking in the 38 degree Celsius pool. Sure, the system is so utterly confusing that you have to just go along with it, and the staff have attitudes like they've been working there 100 years and don't give a hoot whether you want to buy a massage or not, but it's Gellert. It's posh, esteemed, and beautiful.
The rest of the week has been a bit of a blur. I did some shopping with Shelley at the Central Market, bought some Hungarian Christmas ornaments to take back with me, and a few Christmas gifts. Shelley loved the fact that I knew where all the good stalls where with the best items for the most reasonable prices; she told me she would not have enjoyed Budapest as much as she has had I not been with her to give her advice, recommendations, directions and such. I would agree though; it's really nice to have a local show you around a city!
As kind of a way to wrap things up, I thought I'd post a few emails and such that I exchanged with my Mom and Dad in the first few days that I arrived...
Mom and Dad,
I just wanted to let you know that I made it to Budapest safe and sound. I'm exhausted, but very happy because all of my luggage arrived and in tact. I haven't seen any of the city yet, but we'll be doing a lot of that stuff this week...Now it's time for a nap! Love, Stacey
Stacey,
It is really nice to read your letter. I hope the Internet access works out. It probably will be fine to use the one at school...I hope you like your apartment. I am anxious to hear about it. You and Sarah will have a big grocery shop to do. That should be quite an experience in a Hungarian grocery store! Love, Mom
Hi Mom and Dad
I have been in Budapest for one day now, and I think I will like the city. I am so glad I took the Hungarian class- everyone is asking us questions about this and that so I feel a little special. We get our apartment tomorrow, and Sarah is very excited, but I'm not as much. Apparently it is quite nice though, and in a very central location of the city... Love, Stacey
Hi Sweetie,
Your blog will be widely read so here is some good advice: "Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?" Love, Dad
Thank you Mom and Dad for all of your support!
I've also kept a running list of some cultural differences between Budapest and Glenelg...
- Water is "with" or "without" gas
- Tap water tastes good
- Very little smiling and friendliness
- Staring is an accepted practice
- So are elaborate displays of public affection
- No free refills, free water, or ice
- Smaller serving sizes of food
- Women show a lot more skin in warm weather
- Communist memorabilia
- Fresh seafood from the river or the Balaton
- No English cognates in language
- Greeting is one kiss on each cheek, left then right; called a "puszi"
- Dark at night
- Enforces a 10pm noise curfew
- Front flush shelf-toilets used
- Toilets have a big flush button, and a small flush button
- Fantastic public transportation
- Universal tip of 10%
- Paying with too big of a bill warrants the Look of Death
- Eating out, one must ask for the bill; it will not be given to you
- You see your waiter twice: once to give your order, and once to get your food
- Homeless people are everywhere
- Many buildings still have bullet holes
- In grocery stores, bring your own bag, and bag your own items
- Babies must always be wearing a hat starting October 1
- Open-air drinking is technically illegal, but never enforced
- Men and women always look "put together" in their outfits
- Hungarian women in politics must use "coquettish" means to climb the ladder
- The oppressed minority are the Roma, formerly known as 'Gypsies'
- No muffins, no cookies, no bagels
- One can find pig lard, knuckles, chicken legs, and just about every organ you can think of in the grocery store
- Most Hungarian wine is only sold domestically
- "Hungaricum" is a product patented by Hungary
- Many restaurants and stores do not take Visa or Mastercard
Those are just some of what I came up with; I'm sure there were many more that I've thought of as I'm going about my business but can't seem to recall at the moment. All in all, it's been a great experience. I've learned so much about people, traveling, history, and culture. I have a whole new perspective on the Nazi and Soviet terrors; of the extermination and labor camps. Sure, they teach us about it in school; but actually living in and experiencing the history for myself? That, for me, is life-changing. Budapest is so unique-- it's a gorgeous, run-down city that is on the rebound. Buildings are being renovated everywhere, and the younger generation is shedding the oppression that many of the older folks still carry from the Soviet era. I would love to come back and see the city someday, if only to see how much it has changed. Thank you Budapest, for all that you've shown me! It has been a truly unforgettable experience.
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